It seems like the list of popular THC variants grows a little every year.
For decades all most cannabis connoisseurs had access to was ‘regular’ delta-9 THC. That all changed in 2018, though, when delta-8 THC’s arrived on the scene. And now delta-10 THC is here — and it looks equally poised to take the market by storm.
Keep reading to learn what delta-10 THC is all about. We’ll be looking over what it is, what it does, and five differences of delta 9 vs delta 10. Enjoy!
Many people don’t realize that THC exists in several different forms, which scientists call isomers. The most common form is delta-9 THC — if you grew up smoking cannabis flower, this is probably the form you’ve been getting.
But several other forms of THC exist, too. Here’s a shortlist:
Delta-10 THC gets its name from a certain aspect of its chemical structure. While the delta-9 THC molecule has a certain bond on its ninth carbon chain, delta-10 has this same bond on its tenth.
As far as effects go, delta-10 is actually more similar to delta-8 THC than it is to delta-9. Early reports from both consumers and animal studies at this milder effect. Just remember that dosage goes a long way towards determining the effects you’ll get, too. Be sure to start off slow if you’re new to delta-10 THC…even if you already have experience with other isomers.
As we mentioned above, the only physical difference between delta-9 and delta-10 THC is found in their chemical structures.
These cannabinoids share the exact same chemical formula: C₂₁H₃₀O₂. Just like any other THC variant, the only difference between them is the position of a single carbon bond.
Not much research has been done on delta-10 THC yet. One study involving pigeons found that delta-10 made pigeons less stoned than delta-9 did. (Funnily enough, this study was conducted by the practical godfather of cannabis research, Raphael Mechoulam.) More clinical research done in humans is needed to fully understand delta-10’s effects. [1]
| CBD (cannabidiol) | Delta-10 THC (delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol) | Delta-9 THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) | |
| Psychological effects | Gentle, subtle, mildly uplifting, mildly calming | Manageable, uplifting, energizing, fun | Powerful, direct, euphoric, sedating, invigorating |
| Physiological effects | Anti-stress Antioxidant Pro-lipid metabolism Pro-neurogenesis | Anti-stress Antioxidant Pro-productivity Pro-energy | Anti-stress Antioxidant Pro-glucose metabolism Pro-neuroplasticity |
| Modes of Action | CB2 receptors, TRPV1 receptors, adenosine A2A receptors, other GPCR’s | CB1 receptors, CB2 receptors, TRPV1 receptors, serotonin receptors, other GPCR’s | CB1 receptors, TRPV1 receptors, serotonin receptors, ACE-2 receptors, other GPCR’s |
The chart above might seem a little complex, but don’t worry. We’ll be diving into the practical differences between delta-9 and delta-10’s next!
Cannabis users familiar with delta-9 and delta-10 THC report that the highs produced from each are totally different. Most of these users find that delta-10 is at least as uplifting as delta-9…without the not-so-great side effects.
Below is a short list of delta-10’s most uplifting qualities:
But delta-10 can still get you high — very high, if you’re sensitive to cannabis. Be sure to start off with a conservative dose to see how it affects you!
Both delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC might be better for daytime use than good ol’ delta-9.
And delta-10 might just be best of all. Why’s that? Because it’s even more energizing than delta-8 THC is.
Cannabis lab tech David Reckles affirms this idea. I would compare delta-10 to a Sativa in terms of its effects,” he says, “while delta-8 is more of an Indica.” Groups on Reddit and other forums agree that delta-10 might be the best cannabinoid for daytime use.
Both delta-8 and delta-9 THC, on the other hand, are much more suited to nighttime use. Studies dating back to 1973 show that delta-8 may work as a natural sleep aid, and delta-9 THC’s pro-sleep effects are even stronger. [2] As one prominent cannabis researcher said, THC’s activation of the endocannabinoid system can help one “relax, eat, sleep, forget and protect.”
Delta-9 THC has been exceptionally well-studied. Lead researchers understand its pharmacology (the way it works), its potential benefits, its drawbacks, and its best application methods. Some experts say delta-9 THC is able to promote a sort of internal balancing act. The top effects of delta-9 include: [3]
Need more proof that delta-9 has been extensively studied? Just check out Dr. Bob Melamedes’s list of THC-related studies at Medicinal Genomics.
Delta-10 THC, on the other hand, hasn’t been researched enough to be well-understood. A select few studies imply that delta-10 THC may absorb thru the skin better than delta-9, but until more research has been done we can’t know for sure. [4]
Yet another way in which delta-9 and delta-10 THC are different? How they’re made. Cannabis plants produce huge amounts of delta-9 THC as they mature, which makes extraction and product development easy. Delta-9 THC products can be made through methods as simple as rosin pressing or ethanol baths. (Though most THC products are made via supercritical C02 extraction.)
Delta-10 THC, meanwhile, is only produced by cannabis in small amounts — which necessitates more complex extraction methods like fractional distillation or hot water extraction. Delta-10 can also be synthesized from other cannabinoids. [5] Meanwhile, plant breeders are working to develop high-delta-10 cultivars, though this is definitely still a work in progress!
Delta-9 and delta-10 THC couldn’t be much further apart when it comes to their legal standing.
Delta-9 THC: Classified as a schedule 1 substance, meaning it has no acknowledged benefits and is illegal on the federal level. (Pretty silly, right?)
Delta-10: Federally allowed if it’s derived from industrial hemp plants.
What makes delta-10 so much more allowable than its delta-9 sibling? 2018’s Federal Farm Bill, of course!
This bill outlawed large amounts of delta-9 THC — which simultaneously implied that any other hemp-derived cannabinoid is completely legal. This is yet another way that delta-10 and delta-8 THC are similar.
A 2020 DEA ruling brought more clarity to this sometimes-confusing topic. In order for delta-10 products to be legal, they must: [5]
Ready to try a premium delta-10 product for yourself? If so, we’ve got your back. Check out our entire selection of delta-10 products here, or browse from the popular options below:
Work’s Delta 8 THC + D10 Heavy Duty Gummies are truly heavy duty. And by that, we mean they pack a serious punch. Each gummy contains a whopping 50 milligrams of delta-8 THC paired with the hemp industry’s most exciting new cannabinoid, delta-10.
The details:
How to use:
Consult a physician prior to use. If sensitive to THC, consider starting with 1/5th-1/10th of a full gummy. If not sensitive, start with 1 gummy, wait an hour, and then increase or decrease your dose as needed. Do not eat more than 3 gummies per day. Use responsibly. Do not drive or operate machinery or sign a mortgage while using this product. Finally…enjoy!
Hyper Delta-10 THC Tropical Gummies contain 50 sweet and tasty gummy squares per jar, giving you a total of 1250mg of combined delta-10 and delta-8 THC.
Users say these gummies instill a buzzing, exciting vibe. If you need to get your creative juices flowing, they might be ideal for you! Each jar features three delicious tropical flavors to choose from — watermelon, blueberry, and pineapple — so you can enjoy both the taste and the effects.
The details:
How to use:
Consult a physician prior to use. Start off with ½ -1 gummy, wait an hour, and then increase or decrease your dose as needed. Do not eat more than 6 gummies per day. Use responsibly. Do not drive or operate machinery or sign a mortgage while using this product. Finally…enjoy!
Delta Effex’s Delta 10 THC Tincture is one of the industry’s best. It gets its power from Sour Blueberry OG, a hybrid mix of Sour Diesel and blueberry that’s become one of our customer favorites. Get ready for the Sativa-ish effects — many users report feeling uplifted, euphoric, and energized.
The details:
How to use:
Consume 1/2 of 1 dropper to establish individual tolerance. Increase dose in increments to achieve the desired result. Enjoy!
Delta Effex’s new Delta 8 + D10 Gummies are another must-have product. As part of the brand’s Euphorica Collection, these little gummies are designed to instill big improvements in your body and mind. Each gummy contains 40 milligrams of delta-8 THC and trace amounts of delta-10 THC. Just don’t let the sweet tropical punch flavor tempt you into taking too many…
The details:
How to use:
Consume 1/2 of one gummy to start to establish individual tolerance. Increase dose in increments to reach the desired effect. Take a gummy before bed or eat one to get your morning started for the ultimate addition to any day!
We think it’s time that delta-10 THC deserves more attention. After being underrated for so long, cannabis enthusiasts are finally realizing that this rare THC isomer has some equally rare benefits to offer!
Here’s to hoping the scientific world takes delta-10 more seriously in the near future. In the meantime…nothing’s stopping us from enjoying it ourselves.
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